Before Apple's HomePod, Amazon Unveils Cheaper Echo 2, Echo Plus
At a surprise media event, Amazon has unveiled a host of new Alexa products including the Echo 2 and the Echo Plus.
The Echo 2
The Echo 2 is shorter than the original.
The next-generation Echo, which is $99.99, is smaller than the original. But Amazon promises improved sound.
You can preorder the Echo 2 now. It will officially hit the market on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
While three cloth-covered editions are $99.99, there are three other wood-adorned models that will set you back $119.99.
Echo Plus for a smart home
The Echo Plus will come with a free Philips Hue bulb.
Specifically made for anyone interested in smart home technology, the Echo Plus is the same size and design as the original.
The twist is that the new speaker acts as a smart home hub and can automatically connect and control a number of different smart home devices without the need to setup skills or other apps.
The Echo Plus can be ordered today for $149.99. It will also arrive on Tuesday, Oct. 31. You can select from a black, white, or silver version.
A Philips Hue smart bulb will be included with the Echo Plus.
Even more
The Echo Spot is a new take on a smart alarm clock.
And that was far from all that the online retail giant announced at the event.
The Echo Spot is a new take on the smart alarm clock. Sporting a 2.5-inch screen, the device can be used for video calling. Like the Echo Dot, it does have its own speaker but can be connected to a better speaker. It will cost $129.99 and can be preordered today with an arrival in December.
Costing $35, the Echo Connect will allow users to place phone calls with their landlines using an Echo speaker. It can be preordered today and will ship in December.
Designed for family game night, Echo Buttons can be used in conjunction with Echos for games. A two-pack will be $20.
Finally, the new Alexa-enabled Fire TV with 4K and HDR will retail for $69.99 and can be preordered starting today and land on Tuesday, Oct. 25. The small Atmos-enabled device plugs into an open HDMI port and is more than $100 less than the new Apple TV 4K.
Amazon product announcements come before Apple’s HomePod is scheduled to hit the market sometime in December for $349. The Siri-powered speaker focuses on quality sound with a high-excursion woofer with custom amplifier, seven tweeters, and six microphones.
More about the HomePod